Work has commenced on repairing the historic Babb’s Covered Bridge in Gorham, Maine. The bridge, which spans the Presumpscot River, was severely damaged in August when an overweight truck loaded with gravel fell through the deck, leaving a gaping hole.

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has started the repair work earlier than expected, thanks to the early arrival of materials and favorable weather conditions. The bridge, an exact replica of Maine’s oldest covered bridge originally built in 1840, has been closed to traffic since the incident.

MaineDOT officials estimate that the repairs will take about six weeks to complete, weather permitting. The bridge is a vital connection for over 300 vehicles daily between Gorham and Windham.